Lying almost midway along Malta's northeast coast is the small walled city of Valletta, the island's capital city declared the European Capital of Culture in 2018 due to its heritage architecture, ancient sites, cultural festivals, and robust patriotic pride. The UNESCO-listed city boasts some beautiful Baroque churches, such as the St. John's Co-Cathedral, home to the Caravaggio masterpiece 'The Beheading of Saint John', as well as numerous palaces and museums. History enthusiasts can delve further back in time by visiting the National Museum of Archaeology, and exploring this charming museum city, with its 320 monuments, all within 55 hectares, making it one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world. Visit the Malta 5D theatre, a cinema with a 3D movie on Maltese history and culture, with exhibits by local artists. Other sights to see are the City Gate, Parliament Building, the Opera House, the dazzling Maltese Carnival, and the fantastic waterfront.
One of the three largest inhabited islands of the Maltese Archipelago, Gozo is known for its pristine beaches, ancient ruins, and impressive network of hiking trails. Smaller than its sister, Malta, this remote island has a serene, laidback atmosphere. The landscape features breathtakingly beautiful coastline, and picturesque countrysides dotted with ancient fortresses, Byzantine churches and sacred temples. Visitors can look forward to excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities in crystal-clear waters, visiting the unique ‘Inland Sea’ surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs, and lazing on photogenic red-sand beaches edged by the translucent Mediterranean. History and architecture enthusiasts should make sure to see the Ggantija Temples at Xaghra, dating back to 3600 BC and said to be one of the oldest freestanding structures in the world.
